Delta County Board of Commissioners Statutory Meeting (4/11/2023): Settlements, Parks, Condos and Social Constructivism

St. Paul Preaching to Athens

(Picture of original tapestry by Raphael)

Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) (Italian, 1515-6)

Royal Collection Trust

The value of Rhetorical Theory

Let us say that this was sort of an interesting meeting. You have different perspectives coming forward on issues and people are not afraid to share them. While there are differences I think they will eventually be resolved through shared perspective as long as we have strong communication skills that encourage understanding. To me, all governance is a type of negotiation and when we are open to hearing different points of view it helps to make better long term strategic buy in that leads to growth. Policies should seek to have maximum participation and in turn outcomes and further effort (General comments not specific to anyone in particular. However, if it seems to pertain it is good to think about it to enhance communication in the future.). 

Communication is very important in creating a shared sense of society. I came across an interesting study that discusses the concepts of empowering others through Express empathy and emotions, Manage the agenda, share Perspectives, share Observations, Work together to establish goals, Enable, Reach agreement, Summarize. 'Finding common ground: meta-synthesis of communication frameworks found in patient communication, supervision and simulation literature'

Notes: I try and be accurate but sometimes make mistakes so if you find one just post something in comments and I will adjust. 

-No public comment on agenda items

-Yes let us support our dispatchers. Nice. 

-Parks are online now.

-Bills voted to be paying bills.

-Purchase defined benefit for retirement.

-Recommendation to jury board.

-Lots of rentals at Pioneer.

-Discussion on sewer lines and connecting together. Discussion on state level. Outline of the new sewer line. Water will go in as well. From an economic standpoint this is central to improve the local infrastructure. There will be businesses that will rely on the new utilities.

-I like the concept of condo development. I also would believe downtown would be a good area to develop first with all of the apartments on top. After that, I think condo development would make sense. State funding on housing. Local rep and State Senator to take it down and discuss housing funding with MI.

-It looks like there are shut off notices to be paid for but there is some need for approve $2K to obtain the money early. Passes!!

-Opioid settlement in private discussion. Oh my...opioid lawsuit! Who sued who and what is going on? The closed meetings make me see if I can kind of guess what its about (Guessing. Ding!). I'm thinking a settlement from drug manufacturers to the county? Maybe a state settlement of some type? Then I found it online (typing, typing, drink coffee, typing in Google). Aha! $834K for Delta County. So I was right. The List with Delta County and also 'Michigan’s $81 Million Opioid Settlement Distribution Set to Begin' (Now what should we do with the money to maximize it? I would think it would be tied to opioid addiction treatment but if not lets consider putting it into attracting young entrepreneurs to the area and raising our digital footprint to draw investment and vacationers. ) What? $180K only!...that isn't as much as the document above said. 😣

-Concern about some social media comments, opposing White nationalism, and concepts of patriotism. (Here are my thoughts. We can put these youth to good work building a great community and nation. It takes all types with lots of different ideas. As long as we find constructive avenues for their grievances and concerns they become contributors in their own way. Our generation should not throw stones. Let us help them, with whatever nuggets of knowledge we gained to build a nation in which they can prosper. There is a difference between preaching and guiding. Its not the youths words that I'm thinking about, there is a deeper message, it is his spirit we should harness for the greater good. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with anything he/they is/are saying because those are his/their opinions. I'm thinking more about how to turn a conflict into a win-win. Too bad we didn't have something we could take that spirit and help him apply it in a way that helps everyone. That is how we develop human capital and created shared cross-generational meaning. Listen deeper then the words and hear a person who maybe wants to be part of something important. This is what mentoring programs can do. Let us guide, not chastise. Would he be passionate about starting a philosophy and sociology program at the library? Maybe advocacy for something important? It is about finding what draws his interest and then providing the pathways in which he can master and apply those ideas in constructive Avenues. FYI: The board members maintained their composure which is great. Tough to do under those circumstances. )

-A comment on Jesus loving others. We should not shame others and treat each other well. Some discussion of the Golden Rule in there.

-Epidemic of gun violence. Concerned about gun sanctuary. Coherent speech.  (Our beloved Daily Press put an article out 'Youth stage protest at Delta County Board meeting')

-Another discussion on leadership expectations by a community member. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with the message but the way in which it was delivered. I almost felt a poetic rhetorical prose within the speech. Ok...this kid needs to get into poetry, creative writing or something.  "...cling to a world that never existed...." it was good...a nice piece. (The opinion is his but the prose seem to have an artistic flavor to it.)

(Who says you can't get youth involved in poetry and politics?  I think he is eluding to a concept called Social Construction of Reality You may be more interested in the detailed article in the Grounded Theory Review entitled What is Social Constructionism?  It reminds me of the movie on the importance of language and how each of us contributes a verse to the greater understanding of the whole. As a people we are social constructing our understanding of our world, the way in which we want to live. This is all but a conversation that leads a socially negotiated understanding of how we collective perceive our reality.)

-A thank you for serving on the board and a criticism of the criticism. Bill of Rights. 2nd amendment support. A comment about going somewhere else didn't seem to go well.

-Information being handed should be in the agenda packet so as to not required to ask for information after. 

-Stolen power and stolen credit and assistance. A concern about media discussions.

-I agree that posting the information within a few days online would make a lot of sense. Comments on allowing people to be free so people listen.

"When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool for the loser". -Socrates There is some debate on whether that is an actual quote of Socrates but its main point is not lost. There is a difference between debate and slander. I know, I have been on the receiving end of it and trust me its no fun. Especially if people just make up anything and throw it around like its factual mud slinging. If its an opinion then we should state its an opinion and if its a fact then that is different. Or what I think is helpful, "I know that I know nothing" Socrates

-A few comments on the pledge and veterans and respecting different opinions. Will have coffee if no one spits it. Discussion on 2nd amendment. No authority to tell sheriff and prosecuting attorney what to do or believe. 

End...watch the video yourself.